1999 Regal Speedometer, Trip, Odometer Quit Working

I have a 99 Regal GSE that the Speedometer, Tripometer and Odometer has quit working on. In addition all of the on-board computer functions that you would expect to quit have (average fuel mileage, instant fuel mileage, range). I have also noticed that the car seems to shift hard for the first few shifting patterns every time it is first started, and then seems to smooth out from there.

There are no ABS warnings going off, so I don't suspect the speed sensors at the wheel, but I am wondering if speed sensor on the transmission could be at fault?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,

Jim Van Dam

The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) located on the passenger side of the transaxle housing would be a likely suspect based on your symptoms.

The tranny uses the VSS to determine shift points.

Also, check the electrical connector to the VSS and the wiring.

Thanks for the insight.

I just called a parts store and asked if they had the part. They said that they did, but that there are actually two different parts numbers for that item, and that they would need the number off of the part to make a match. One costs 14.99, and the other costs 61.99. Knowing my luck it will be the 61.99 version on my car.

I wonder why the big price difference?

Again,

Thanks much.

Jim

Thanks for the insight.

I just called a parts store and asked if they had the part. They said that they did, but that there are actually two different parts numbers for that item, and that they would need the number off of the part to make a match. One costs 14.99, and the other costs 61.99. Knowing my luck it will be the 61.99 version on my car.

I wonder why the big price difference?

Again,

Thanks much.

Jim

You are welcome. Good question. I see the two different ones available.

10456034 (List $69.03)
10456568 (List $28.21)

I believe the latter may be for the Regal LS model. The expensive one may be for the GS/GSE only. We have differerent final drive gearing and speedometer calibration. But to be sure I'd definitely remove it and verify. Good luck!

Well,

I replaced the vehicle speed sensor, and unfortunately it did not have any effect. All of the problems that I noted before are still there.

Any other ideas or thoughts as to what could cause this?

The guy at the parts counter suggested a transmission control module. Does that sound like a possibility?

I am also wondering if there could be a fuse under the hood that could be related to all of this? I checked all of the regular fuses, (in the dash) and verified that I had continuity across ALL of the fuses.

Any other help would be greatly appreciated.


Jim

Well,

I replaced the vehicle speed sensor, and unfortunately it did not have any effect. All of the problems that I noted before are still there.

Any other ideas or thoughts as to what could cause this?

The guy at the parts counter suggested a transmission control module. Does that sound like a possibility?

I am also wondering if there could be a fuse under the hood that could be related to all of this? I checked all of the regular fuses, (in the dash) and verified that I had continuity across ALL of the fuses.

Any other help would be greatly appreciated.


Jim

There are some you can check in the engine compartment fuse box but it doesn't sound like a fuse.

The transmission control module is actually the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). It is located in the airbox assembly and I would recommend checking the 80 pin connectors to it first. The PCM is the brain of the operation for items you are having problems with.

On the speedo, trip and odometer are you getting any of the IP lighting like LED displays?

All of the lights on the panel work. And It still says the we have traveled 2.1 miles, and has said that since the problem started. Also the odometer reading is still visible, but it just as not changed since the problem.

Jim

All of the lights on the panel work. And It still says the we have traveled 2.1 miles, and has said that since the problem started. Also the odometer reading is still visible, but it just as not changed since the problem.

Jim

Other than the PCM you may have an issue with the Instrument Panel. There is a module located in the IP that controls speedo, trip and odometer. The tranny problem just sounds coincidental. You could have another issue with it. When was the last time the tranny was serviced, ATF and screen filter?

The trans has never been serviced, and it certainly should be with 92,000 miles on it, but it would be one very big coincidence if these two things happened at the exact same time and had no relationship to each other. I was the one driving the car and I noted both problems at the same time. Got in the car, started down the read, noticed the shift issue, looked down to see the speed and RPM and noticed to speed reading.

I just called a garage and they quoted me $70 to put it on the scanner and see what code comes back. That would probably be worth a try?

Oh, and just in case anyone is reading this and wondering about the Vehicle Speed Sensor. My 99 Buick took the less expensive one. I was VERY surprised. Very happy but surprised.

Thanks again for any help anyone can give.

Jim

The trans has never been serviced, and it certainly should be with 92,000 miles on it, but it would be one very big coincidence if these two things happened at the exact same time and had no relationship to each other. I was the one driving the car and I noted both problems at the same time. Got in the car, started down the read, noticed the shift issue, looked down to see the speed and RPM and noticed to speed reading.

I just called a garage and they quoted me $70 to put it on the scanner and see what code comes back. That would probably be worth a try?

Oh, and just in case anyone is reading this and wondering about the Vehicle Speed Sensor. My 99 Buick took the less expensive one. I was VERY surprised. Very happy but surprised.

Thanks again for any help anyone can give.

Jim

The PCM would normally throw a DTC error code and trigger the SES or SVS lights if there is a detected malfunction in engine or chassis controls. Although the VSS was changed it doesn't mean there is not a problem associated with that circuit or the mechnical drive portion within the transaxle. Also, there is the wiring and the PCM module. There are odb-ii VSS DTC error codes but the problem is your PCM has not detected any. There is a high probability no relevant error codes will show up.

The scanner may help or it could be just a big waste of money. However, it would not hurt for piece if mind.

There may be stored tranny DTC error codes related to the shifting problem. A lot of theses codes such as P1811 do not trigger the SES light. But a stored P1811 (Maximum Adapt/Long Shift) will cause erratic or harsh shifting.